biodiversity: the sum of all
the plants, animals and other organisms living on Earth.

biological
control: the use of living organisms -parasites,
pathogens or predators- to control an invasive or other
pest species.

cultivar: a
race or variety of a plant that has been created or
selected intentionally and maintained through cultivation.

girdle: to cut
through the bark and growing layer (cambium) all around
the trunk of a tree.

glyphosate: a type of systemic
herbicide, e.g., Roundup® for land or Rodeo® for
wetlands or near water.*

indigenous: see native.

invasive: a
species that grows and spreads rapidly, establishes over
large areas, and displaces native species.

native: a species
that naturally occurs in a particular region, ecosystem
and habitat. Species native to North America are generally
recognized as those occurring on the continent prior to
European settlement.

natural area: an
area of land or water with predominantly native vegetation
or natural geological features that is allowed to respond
to the forces of nature with minimal human influence.

non-native:
a species that, due to direct or indirect human activity,
occurs in locations beyond its known historical or
potential natural range. Refers to species from another
continent, region, ecosystem, or habitat.

noxious weed: a
legal designation used specifically for species that have
been determined to be major pests of agricultural systems
and are subject, by law, to certain restrictions.

pest: a plant, animal
or other organism considered harmful.

rhizomes:
underground stems.

sepals: bract-like
or leaf-like structures below the petals of a flower.

stipules: a
pair of leaf-like structures at the base of the leaf stalk
on some plants.

stolons:
aboveground stems.

systemic
herbicide: an herbicide that is absorbed by a plant
and carried throughout the tissues.*

turions:
vegetative buds formed in leaf axils or stem tips.

triclopyr: a
type of systemic herbicide (e.g., Garlon®).*

weed: a subjective
word used to describe any plant growing wherever someone
wishes it did not; can include native and non-native
plants.

wildland: see
natural area.

*Note: mention of a trade name does not constitute the
endorsement of the product by authors, agencies or
organizations involved in the production of this
publication.